UCLA Bruins came into Saturday’s matchup against USC looking for a statement win, and at times, it seemed poised to deliver. The Bruins registered a season-high eight plays of 20 or more yards, a testament to their explosive potential. However, their inability to turn those big gains into points ultimately cost them, as they fell 19-13 to the Trojans at the Rose Bowl.
The offensive highlight reel included a 40-yard run by T.J. Harden, multiple deep receptions by J. Michael Sturdivant, and several strong contributions from Ethan Garbers through the air. Sturdivant, who had his best game of the season, recorded three catches of 20 or more yards, including a 45-yard reception that set up a third-quarter field goal. Harden chipped in with 135 all-purpose yards, including three plays of 20 or more yards.
Yet, despite these explosive moments, the Bruins failed to maintain momentum when it mattered most. UCLA went just 3-for-11 on third-down conversions and came up empty on all three fourth-down attempts. The offense managed only two red-zone trips, settling for a touchdown and a field goal while repeatedly stalling on promising drives.
UCLA Bruins Offense To Blame, Despite Big Plays
Head coach DeShaun Foster didn’t hold back in assessing his offense’s shortcomings. “Offensively, they just didn’t do their part in the game,” Foster said postgame. “It’s a team sport. I just need our offense to be at their best when their best is needed. We’re having problems in the red zone in certain situations—just having false starts, not being able to make a play.”
The penalties Foster referenced were another key issue. The Bruins were flagged eight times for 65 yards, including multiple false starts that stalled critical drives. A false start on the USC five-yard line in the third quarter turned a potential touchdown opportunity into a field goal.
Despite their offensive inconsistencies, the Bruins took a 13-9 lead midway through the third quarter, largely thanks to their big-play ability. Sturdivant’s 45-yard reception set up a field goal, and Moliki Matavao’s 10-yard touchdown catch capped an earlier drive. However, the offense faltered down the stretch, failing to score in the fourth quarter as USC reclaimed the lead with a touchdown and a late field goal.
UCLA finished with 376 total yards to USC’s 346, outgaining their rivals in a losing effort. The Bruins’ 6.8 yards per play demonstrated their potential to move the ball, but their inability to finish drives left the defense with too much to do.
“Eventually, it’s going to get fixed,” Foster said of the team’s discipline issues. “And we will continue to strive in the direction of discipline.”
As UCLA prepares for its season finale against Fresno State, the Bruins will aim to build on the explosive plays they created against USC while finding a way to turn those gains into consistent points. For now, Saturday’s loss serves as a frustrating reminder of what could have been.
